Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova Reach Australian Open Finals

Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova have reached the final at the Australian Open 2007. A resurrected Serena Williams had to go deep versus her opponent, Czech Nicole Vaidisova (7-6, 6-4), and title favorite Maria Sharapova overpowered Belgian Kim Clijsters. Top seed Sharapova won in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.

Comeback

Serena Williams is making a remarkable comeback. After a year of injuries and other activities, she is on top of her game. She plays like she played when she won seven Grand Slam tournaments. She has won the Australian Open twice in 2003 and 2005.

Williams vs Vaidisova

Williams had to go deep to beat Nicole Vaidisova, who wasn't impressed at all of her opponent. Vaidisova immediately broke Williams' service. With her returns from the baseline she frequently sent Williams on a wild goose chase.

Williams, however, showed a lot of mental strength and stayed unusually calm and scored points on the key moments of the match. The first set ended in a tie break which the world's No. 81 woman player won with 7-5. In the second set, Williams took the lead with 5-1, but had troubles finishing the match.

Excited

Vaidisova took advantage of Williams' inability to finish the match. She survived 5 match points and rallied back to 5-4. Williams' mother, Oracene Williams, told her daughter to stay calm and that helped because she cashed in match point 6 and entered the Australian Open finals.

"I can't believe it," Serena Williams said. "That's awesome. If I play well, which I don't think I've even reached yet at all in this tournament ... it's really hard for anyone on the women's tour to beat me."

Sharapova vs Clijsters

Sharapova had an easier time in her semi-final versus Belgian Kim Clijsters, who is working on her last season on the tour before she retires. The 19-year-old Russian bombshell didn't play her best tennis and hit eight double faults and 33 unforced errors, but still managed to beat the Flemish. It's clear that the beast within Clijsters has turned into a puppy. Clijsters said she hoped to attend the Australian Open with a baby in her arms next year.

Sharapova and Williams only met four times before. They each won twice, but Sharapova has the most beautiful victory — She beat Serena Williams in the 2004 Wimbledon finals.

Written by Manfred

Article Author: Lawntennisnews

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